{"data":{"id":"us/21-cfr-101.12","jurisdiction":"us","citation":"21 CFR 101.12","heading":"Reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion.","body":"(a) The general principles and factors that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considered in arriving at the reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion (reference amounts) which are set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, are that:\n(1) FDA calculated the reference amounts for persons 4 years of age or older to reflect the amount of food customarily consumed per eating occasion by persons in this population group. These reference amounts are based on data set forth in appropriate national food consumption surveys.\n(2) FDA calculated the reference amounts for an infant or child under 4 years of age to reflect the amount of food customarily consumed per eating occasion by infants up to 12 months of age or by children 1 through 3 years of age, respectively. These reference amounts are based on data set forth in appropriate national food consumption surveys. Such reference amounts are to be used only when the food is specially formulated or processed for use by an infant or by a child under 4 years of age.\n(3) An appropriate national food consumption survey includes a large sample size representative of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the relevant population group and must be based on consumption data under actual conditions of use.\n(4) To determine the amount of food customarily consumed per eating occasion, FDA considered the mean, median, and mode of the consumed amount per eating occasion.\n(5) When survey data were insufficient, FDA took various other sources of information on serving sizes of food into consideration. These other sources of information included:\n(i) Serving sizes used in dietary guidance recommendations or recommended by other authoritative systems or organizations;\n(ii) Serving sizes recommended in comments;\n(iii) Serving sizes used by manufacturers and grocers; and\n(iv) Serving sizes used by other countries.\n(6) Because they reflect the amount customarily consumed, the reference amount and, in turn, the serving size declared on the product label are based on only the edible portion of food, and not bone, seed, shell, or other inedible components.\n(7) The reference amount is based on the major intended use of the food (e.g., milk as a beverage and not as an addition to cereal).\n(8) The reference amounts for products that are consumed as an ingredient of other foods, but that may also be consumed in the form in which they are purchased (e.g., butter), are based on use in the form purchased.\n(9) FDA sought to ensure that foods that have similar dietary usage, product characteristics, and customarily consumed amounts have a uniform reference amount.\n(b) The following reference amounts shall be used as the basis for determining serving sizes for specific products:\nTable 1—Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed per Eating Occasion: Foods for Infants and Young Children 1 Through 3 Years of Age 1 2 3\nProduct category Reference amount Label statement 4\nCereals, dry instant 15 g __ cup (__ g)\nCereals, prepared, ready-to-serve 110 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nOther cereal and grain products, dry ready-to-eat, e.g., ready-to-eat cereals, cookies, teething biscuits, and toasts 7 g for infants and 20 g for young children (1 through 3 years of age) for ready-to-eat cereals; 7 g for all others __ cup(s) (__ g) for ready-to-eat cereals; piece(s) (__ g) for others\nDinners, deserts, fruits, vegetables or soups, dry mix 15 g __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g)\nDinners, desserts, fruits, vegetables or soups, ready-to-serve, junior type 110 g __ cup(s) (__ g); cup(s) (__ mL)\nDinners, desserts, fruits, vegetables or soups, ready-to-serve, strained type 110 g __ cup(s) (__ g); cup(s) (__ mL)\nDinners, stews or soups for young children, ready-to-serve 170 g __ cup(s) (__ g); cup(s) (__ mL)\nFruits for young children, ready-to-serve 125 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nVegetables for young children, ready-to-serve 70 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nEggs/egg yolks, ready-to serve 55 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nJuices all varieties 120 mL 4 fl oz (120 mL)\n1 These values represent the amount of food customarily consumed per eating occasion and were primarily derived from the 1977-1978 and the 1987-1988 Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We further considered data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2007-2008 conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.\n2 Unless otherwise noted in the reference amount column, the reference amounts are for the ready-to-serve or almost ready-to-serve form of the product (e.g., heat and serve, brown and serve). If not listed separately, the reference amount for the unprepared form (e.g., dry mixes, concentrates, dough, batter, fresh and frozen pasta) is the amount required to make the reference amount of the prepared form. Prepared means prepared for consumption (e.g., cooked).\n3 Manufacturers are required to convert the reference amount to the label serving size in a household measure most appropriate to their specific product using the procedures in 21 CFR 101.9(b).\n4 The label statements are meant to provide examples of serving size statements that may be used on the label, but the specific wording may be changed as appropriate for individual products. The term “piece” is used as a generic description of a discrete unit. Manufacturers should use the description of a unit that is most appropriate for the specific product (e.g., sandwich for sandwiches, cookie for cookies, and bar for frozen novelties).\nTable 2—Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed Per Eating Occasion: General Food Supply 1 2 3\nProduct category Reference amount Label statement 4\nBakery Products:\nBagels, toaster pastries, muffins (excluding English muffins) 110 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nBiscuits, croissants, tortillas, soft bread sticks, soft pretzels, corn bread, hush puppies, scones, crumpets, English muffins 55 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nBreads (excluding sweet quick type), rolls 50 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for sliced bread and distinct pieces (e.g., rolls); 2 oz (56 g/__ inch slice) for unsliced bread\nBread sticks—see crackers\nToaster pastries—see bagels, toaster pastries, muffins (excluding English muffins)\nBrownies 40 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces; fractional slice (__ g) for bulk\nCakes, heavyweight (cheese cake; pineapple upside-down cake; fruit, nut, and vegetable cakes with more than or equal to 35 percent of the finished weight as fruit, nuts, or vegetables or any of these combinations) 5 125 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces (e.g., sliced or individually packaged products); __ fractional slice (__ g) for large discrete units\nCakes, mediumweight (chemically leavened cake with or without icing or filling except those classified as light weight cake; fruit, nut, and vegetable cake with less than 35 percent of the finished weight as fruit, nuts, or vegetables or any of these combinations; light weight cake with icing; Boston cream pie; cupcake; eclair; cream puff) 6 80 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces (e.g., cupcake); __ fractional slice (__ g) for large discrete units\nCakes, lightweight (angel food, chiffon, or sponge cake without icing or filling) 7 55 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces (e.g., sliced or individually packaged products); __ fractional slice (__ g) for large discrete units\nCoffee cakes, crumb cakes, doughnuts, Danish, sweet rolls, sweet quick type breads 55 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for sliced bread and distinct pieces (e.g., doughnut); 2 oz (56 g/visual unit of measure) for bulk products (e.g., unsliced bread)\nCookies 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nCrackers that are usually not used as snack, melba toast, hard bread sticks, ice cream cones 8 15 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nCrackers that are usually used as snacks 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nCroutons 7 g __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces\nEggroll, dumpling, wonton, or potsticker wrappers 20 g __ sheet (__ g); wrapper (__ g)\nFrench toast, crepes, pancakes, variety mixes 110 g prepared for French toast, crepes, and pancakes; 40 g dry mix for variety mixes __ piece(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g) for dry mix\nGrain-based bars with or without filling or coating, e.g., breakfast bars, granola bars, rice cereal bars 40 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nIce cream cones—see crackers\nPies, cobblers, fruit crisps, turnovers, other pastries 125 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces; __ fractional slice (__ g) for large discrete units\nPie crust, pie shells, pastry sheets, (e.g., phyllo, puff pastry sheets) the allowable declaration closest to an 8 square inch surface area __ fractional slice(s) (__ g) for large discrete units; __ shells (__ g); __ fractional __ sheet(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces (e.g., Pastry sheet).\nPizza crust 55 g __ fractional slice (__ g)\nTaco shells, hard 30 g __ shell(s) (__ g)\nWaffles 85 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nBeverages:\nCarbonated and noncarbonated beverages, wine coolers, water 360 mL 12 fl oz (360 mL)\nCoffee or tea, flavored and sweetened 360 mL prepared 12 fl oz (360 mL)\nCereals and Other Grain Products:\nBreakfast cereals (hot cereal type), hominy grits 1 cup prepared; 40 g plain dry cereal; 55 g flavored, sweetened cereal __ cup(s) (__ g)\nBreakfast cereals, ready-to-eat, weighing less than 20 g per cup, e.g., plain puffed cereal grains 15 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nBreakfast cereals, ready-to-eat, weighing 20 g or more but less than 43 g per cup; high fiber cereals containing 28 g or more of fiber per 100 g 40 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nBreakfast cereals, ready-to-eat, weighing 43 g or more per cup; biscuit types 60 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for large distinct pieces (e.g., biscuit type); __ cup(s) (__ g) for all others\nBran or wheat germ 15 g __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g)\nFlours or cornmeal 30 g __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g)\nGrains, e.g., rice, barley, plain 140 g prepared; 45 g dry __ cup(s) (__ g)\nPastas, plain 140 g prepared; 55 g dry __ cup(s) (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., large shells or lasagna noodles) or 2 oz (56 g/visual unit of measure) for dry bulk products (e.g., spaghetti)\nPastas, dry, ready-to-eat, e.g., fried canned chow mein noodles 25 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nStarches, e.g., cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca, etc 10 g __ tbsp (__ g)\nStuffing 100 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nDairy Products and Substitutes:\nCheese, cottage 110 g __ cup (__ g)\nCheese used primarily as ingredients, e.g., dry cottage cheese, ricotta cheese 55 g __ cup (__ g)\nCheese, grated hard, e.g., Parmesan, Romano 5 g __ tbsp (__ g)\nCheese, all others except those listed as separate categories—includes cream cheese and cheese spread 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces; __ tbsp(s) (__ g) for cream cheese and cheese spread; 1 oz (28 g/visual unit of measure) for bulk\nCheese sauce—see sauce category\nCream or cream substitutes, fluid 15 mL 1 tbsp (15 mL)\nCream or cream substitutes, powder 2 g __ tsp (__ g)\nCream, half \u0026 half 30 mL 2 tbsp (30 mL)\nEggnog 120 mL 1⁄2 cup (120 mL); 4 fl oz (120 mL)\nMilk, condensed, undiluted 30 mL 2 tbsp (30 mL)\nMilk, evaporated, undiluted 30 mL 2 tbsp (30 mL)\nMilk, milk-substitute beverages, milk-based drinks, e.g., instant breakfast, meal replacement, cocoa, soy beverage 240 mL 1 cup (240 mL); 8 fl oz (240 mL)\nShakes or shake substitutes, e.g., dairy shake mixes, fruit frost mixes 240 mL 1 cup (240 mL); 8 fl oz (240 mL)\nSour cream 30 g __ tbsp (__ g)\nYogurt 170 g __ cup (__ g)\nDesserts:\nIce cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, frozen flavored and sweetened ice and pops, frozen fruit juices: all types bulk and novelties (e.g., bars, sandwiches, cones, cups) 2⁄3 cup—includes the volume for coatings and wafers 2⁄3 cup (__ g), __ piece(s) (__ g) for individually wrapped or packaged products\nSundae 1 cup 1 cup (__ g)\nCustards, gelatin, or pudding 1⁄2 cup prepared; amount to make 1⁄2 cup prepared when dry __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct unit (e.g., individually packaged products); 1⁄2 cup (__ g) for bulk\nDessert Toppings and Fillings:\nCake frostings or icings 2 tbsp __ tbsp(s) (__ g)\nOther dessert toppings, e.g., fruits, syrups, spreads, marshmallow cream, nuts, dairy and non-dairy whipped toppings 2 tbsp 2 tbsp (__ g); 2 tbsp (30 mL)\nPie fillings 85 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nEgg and Egg Substitutes:\nEgg mixtures, e.g., egg foo young, scrambled eggs, omelets 110 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; __ cup(s) (__ g)\nEggs (all sizes) 8 50 g 1 large, medium, etc. (__ g)\nEgg whites, sugared eggs, sugared egg yolks, and egg substitutes (fresh, frozen, dried) An amount to make 1 large (50 g) egg __ cup(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ mL)\nFats and Oils:\nButter, margarine, oil, shortening 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (__ g); 1 tbsp (15 mL)\nButter replacement, powder 2 g __ tsp(s) (__ g)\nDressings for salads 30 g __ tbsp (__ g); __ tbsp (__ mL)\nMayonnaise, sandwich spreads, mayonnaise-type dressings 15 g __ tbsp (__ g)\nSpray types 0.25 g About __ seconds spray (__ g)\nFish, Shellfish, Game Meats,9 and Meat or Poultry Substitutes:\nBacon substitutes, canned anchovies,10 anchovy pastes, caviar 15 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; __ tbsp(s) (__ g) for others\nDried, e.g., jerky 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nEntrees with sauce, e.g., fish with cream sauce, shrimp with lobster sauce 140 g cooked __ cup(s) (__ g); 5 oz (140 g/visual unit of measure) if not measurable by cup\nEntrees without sauce, e.g., plain or fried fish and shellfish, fish and shellfish cake 85 g cooked; 110 g uncooked 11 __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; __ cup(s) (__ g); __ oz (__ g/visual unit of measure) if not measurable by cup 12\nFish, shellfish, or game meat 9, canned 10 85 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; __ cup(s) (__ g); 3 oz (85 g/__ cup) for products that are difficult to measure the g weight of cup measure (e.g., tuna); 3 oz (85 g/__ pieces) for products that naturally vary in size (e.g., sardines)\nSubstitute for luncheon meat, meat spreads, Canadian bacon, sausages, frankfurters, and seafood 55 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces (e.g., slices, links); __ cup(s) (__ g); 2 oz (56 g/visual unit of measure) for nondiscrete bulk product\nSmoked or pickled fish,10 shellfish, or game meat 9; fish or shellfish spread 55 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for distinct pieces (e.g., slices, links) or __ cup(s) (__ g); 2 oz (56 g/visual unit of measure) for nondiscrete bulk product\nSubstitutes for bacon bits—see Miscellaneous\nFruits and Fruit Juices:\nCandied or pickled 10 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nDehydrated fruits—see snack category\nDried 40 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., dates, figs, prunes); __ cup(s) (__ g) for small pieces (e.g., raisins)\nFruits for garnish or flavor, e.g., maraschino cherries 10 4 g 1 cherry (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g)\nFruit relishes, e.g., cranberry sauce, cranberry relish 70 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nFruits used primarily as ingredients, avocado 50 g See footnote 12\nFruits used primarily as ingredients, others (cranberries, lemon, lime) 50 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for large fruits; __ cup(s) (__ g) for small fruits measurable by cup12\nWatermelon 280 g See footnote 12\nAll other fruits (except those listed as separate categories), fresh, canned or frozen 140 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., strawberries, prunes, apricots, etc.); __ cup(s) (__ g) for small pieces (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, etc.) 12\nJuices, nectars, fruit drinks 240 mL 8 fl oz (240 mL)\nJuices used as ingredients, e.g., lemon juice, lime juice 5 mL 1 tsp (5 mL)\nLegumes:\nTofu,10 tempeh 85 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; 3 oz (84 g/visual unit of measure) for bulk products\nBeans, plain or in sauce 130 g for beans in sauce or canned in liquid and refried beans prepared; 90 g for others prepared; 35 g dry __ cup (__ g)\nMiscellaneous:\nBaking powder, baking soda, pectin 0.6 g __ tsp (__ g)\nBaking decorations, e.g., colored sugars and sprinkles for cookies, cake decorations 1 tsp or 4 g if not measurable by teaspoon __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; 1 tsp (__ g)\nBatter mixes, bread crumbs 30 g __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g)\nChewing gum 8 3 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nCocoa powder, carob powder, unsweetened 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (__ g)\nCooking wine 30 mL 2 tbsp (30 mL)\nDietary supplements The maximum amount recommended, as appropriate, on the label for consumption per eating occasion or, in the absence of recommendations, 1 unit, e.g., tablet, capsule, packet, teaspoonful, etc __ tablet(s), __ capsules(s), __ packet(s), __ tsp(s) (__ g), etc.\nMeat, poultry, and fish coating mixes, dry; seasoning mixes, dry, e.g., chili seasoning mixes, pasta salad seasoning mixes Amount to make one reference amount of final dish __ tsp(s) (__ g); __ tbsp(s) (__ g)\nMilk, milk substitute, and fruit juice concentrates (without alcohol) (e.g., drink mixers, frozen fruit juice concentrate, sweetened cocoa powder) Amount to make 240 mL drink (without ice) __ fl oz (__ mL); __ tsp (__ g); tbsp (__ g)\nDrink mixes (without alcohol): All other types (e.g., flavored syrups and powdered drink mixes) Amount to make 360 mL drink (without ice) __ fl oz (__ mL); __ tsp (__ g); __ tbsp (__ g)\nSalad and potato toppers, e.g., salad crunchies, salad crispins, substitutes for bacon bits 7 g __ tbsp(s) (__ g)\nSalt, salt substitutes, seasoning salts (e.g., garlic salt) 1⁄4 tsp 1⁄4 tsp (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces (e.g., individually packaged products)\nSeasoning oils and seasoning sauces (e.g., coconut concentrate, sesame oil, almond oil, chili oil, coconut oil, walnut oil) 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (__ g)\nSeasoning pastes (e.g., garlic paste, ginger paste, curry paste, chili paste, miso paste), fresh or frozen 1 tsp 1 tsp (__ g)\nSpices, herbs (other than dietary supplements) 1⁄4 tsp or 0.5 g if not measurable by teaspoon 1⁄4 tsp (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) if not measurable by teaspoons (e.g., bay leaf)\nMixed Dishes:\nAppetizers, hors d'oeuvres, mini mixed dishes, e.g., mini bagel pizzas, breaded mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, dumplings, potstickers, wontons, mini quesadillas, mini quiches, mini sandwiches, mini pizza rolls, potato skins 85 g, add 35 g for products with gravy or sauce topping __ piece(s) (__ g)\nMeasurable with cup, e.g., casseroles, hash, macaroni and cheese, pot pies, spaghetti with sauce, stews, etc 1 cup 1 cup (__ g)\nNot measurable with cup, e.g., burritos, enchiladas, pizza, pizza rolls, quiche, all types of sandwiches 140 g, add 55 g for products with gravy or sauce topping, e.g., enchilada with cheese sauce, crepe with white sauce 13 __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; __ fractional slice (__ g) for large discrete units\nNuts and Seeds:\nNuts, seeds and mixtures, all types: Sliced, chopped, slivered, and whole 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., unshelled nuts); __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g) for small pieces (e.g., peanuts, sunflower seeds)\nNut and seed butters, pastes, or creams 2 tbsp 2 tbsp (__ g)\nCoconut, nut and seed flours 15 g __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup (__ g)\nPotatoes and Sweet Potatoes/Yams:\nFrench fries, hash browns, skins, or pancakes 70 g prepared; 85 g for frozen unprepared French fries __ piece(s) (__ g) for large distinct pieces (e.g., patties, skins); 2.5 oz (70 g/__ pieces) for prepared fries; 3 oz (84 g/__ pieces) for unprepared fries\nMashed, candied, stuffed or with sauce 140 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces (e.g., stuffed potato); __ cup(s) (__ g)\nPlain, fresh, canned, or frozen 110 g for fresh or frozen; 125 g for vacuum packed; 160 g for canned in liquid __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces; __ cup(s) (__ g) for sliced or chopped products\nSalads:\nGelatin salad 120 g __ cup (__ g)\nPasta or potato salad 140 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nAll other salads, e.g., egg, fish, shellfish, bean, fruit, or vegetable salads 100 g __ cup(s) (__ g)\nSauces, Dips, Gravies, and Condiments:\nBarbecue sauce, hollandaise sauce, tartar sauce, tomato chili sauce, other sauces for dipping (e.g., mustard sauce, sweet and sour sauce), all dips (e.g., bean dips, dairy-based dips, salsa) 2 tbsp 2 tbsp (__ g); 2 tbsp (30 mL)\nMajor main entree sauces, e.g., spaghetti sauce 125 g __ cup (__ g); __ cup (__ mL)\nMinor main entree sauces (e.g., pizza sauce, pesto sauce, Alfredo sauce), other sauces used as toppings (e.g., gravy, white sauce, cheese sauce), cocktail sauce 1⁄4 cup 1⁄4 cup (__ g); 1⁄4 cup (60 mL)\nMajor condiments, e.g., catsup, steak sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, teriyaki sauce, marinades 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (__ g); 1 tbsp (15 mL)\nMinor condiments, e.g., horseradish, hot sauces, mustards, Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp 1 tsp (__ g); 1 tsp (5 mL)\nSnacks:\nAll varieties, chips, pretzels, popcorn, extruded snacks, fruit and vegetable-based snacks (e.g., fruit chips), grain-based snack mixes 30 g __ cup (__ g) for small pieces (e.g., popcorn); __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., large pretzels; pressed dried fruit sheet); 1 oz (28g/visual unit of measure) for bulk products (e.g., potato chips)\nSoups:\nAll varieties 245 g __ cup (__ g); __ cup (__ mL)\nDry soup mixes, bouillon Amount to make 245 g __ cup (__ g); __ cup (__ mL)\nSugars and Sweets:\nBaking candies (e.g., chips) 15 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces; __ tbsp(s) (__ g) for small pieces; 1⁄2 oz (14 g/visual unit of measure) for bulk products\nAfter-dinner confectioneries 10 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nHard candies, breath mints 8 2 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nHard candies, roll-type, mini-size in dispenser packages 5 g __ piece(s) (__ g)\nHard candies, others; powdered candies, liquid candies 15 mL for liquid candies; 15 g for all others __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces; __ tbsp(s) (__ g) for “mini-size” candies measurable by tablespoon; __ straw(s) (__ g) for powdered candies; __ wax bottle(s) (__ mL) for liquid candies; 1⁄2 oz (14 g/visual unit of measure) for bulk products\nAll other candies 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g); 1 oz (30 g/visual unit of measure) for bulk products\nConfectioner's sugar 30 g __ cup (__ g)\nHoney, jams, jellies, fruit butter, molasses, fruit pastes, fruit chutneys 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (__ g); 1 tbsp (15 mL)\nMarshmallows 30 g __ cup(s) (__ g) for small pieces; __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces\nSugar 8 g __ tsp (__ g); __ piece(s) (__ g) for discrete pieces (e.g., sugar cubes, individually packaged products)\nSugar substitutes An amount equivalent to one reference amount for sugar in sweetness __ tsp(s) (__ g) for solids; __ drop(s) (__ g) for liquid; __ piece(s) (__ g) (e.g., individually packaged products)\nSyrups 30 mL for all syrups 2 tbsp (30 mL)\nVegetables:\nDried vegetables, dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried mushrooms, dried seaweed 5 g, add 5 g for products packaged in oil __ piece(s); 1⁄3 cup (__ g)\nDried seaweed sheets 3 g __ piece(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g)\nVegetables primarily used for garnish or flavor (e.g., pimento,10 parsley, fresh or dried) 4 g __ piece(s) (__ g); __ tbsp(s) (__ g) for chopped products\nFresh or canned chili peppers, jalapeno peppers, other hot peppers, green onion 30 g __ piece(s) (__ g) 12; __ tbsp(s) (__ g); __ cup(s) (__ g) for sliced or chopped products\nAll other vegetables without sauce: Fresh, canned, or frozen 85 g for fresh or frozen; 95 g for vacuum packed; 130 g for canned in liquid, cream-style corn, canned or stewed tomatoes, pumpkin, or winter squash __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., Brussels sprouts); __ cup(s) (__ g) for small pieces (e.g., cut corn, green peas); 3 oz (84 g/visual unit of measure) if not measurable by cup\nAll other vegetables with sauce: Fresh, canned, or frozen 110 g __ piece(s) (__ g) for large pieces (e.g., Brussels sprouts); __ cup(s) (__ g) for small pieces (e.g., cut corn, green peas); 4 oz (112 g/visual unit of measure) if not measurable by cup\nVegetable juice 240 mL 8 fl oz (240 mL)\nOlives 10 15 g __ piece(s) (__ g); __ tbsp(s) (__ g) for sliced products\nPickles and pickled vegetables, all types 10 30 g 1 oz (28 g/visual unit of measure)\nPickle relishes 15 g __ tbsp (__ g)\nSprouts, all types: Fresh or canned 1/4 cup 1⁄4 cup (__ g)\nVegetable pastes, e.g., tomato paste 30 g __ tbsp (__ g)\nVegetable sauces or purees, e.g., tomato sauce, tomato puree 60 g __ cup (__ g); __ cup (__ mL)\n1 These values represent the amount (edible portion) of food customarily consumed per eating occasion and were primarily derived from the 1977-1978 and the 1987-1988 Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and updated with data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2004, 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 conducted by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, in the Department of Health and Human Services.\n2 Unless otherwise noted in the Reference Amount column, the reference amounts are for the ready-to-serve or almost ready-to-serve form of the product (e.g., heat and serve, brown and serve). If not listed separately, the reference amount for the unprepared form (e.g., dry mixes, concentrates, dough, batter, fresh and frozen pasta) is the amount required to make the reference amount of the prepared form. Prepared means prepared for consumption (e.g., cooked).\n3 Manufacturers are required to convert the reference amount to the label serving size in a household measure most appropriate to their specific product using the procedures in 21 CFR 101.9(b).\n4 The label statements are meant to provide examples of serving size statements that may be used on the label, but the specific wording may be changed as appropriate for individual products. The term “piece” is used as a generic description of a discrete unit. Manufacturers should use the description of a unit that is most appropriate for the specific product (e.g., sandwich for sandwiches, cookie for cookies, and bar for ice cream bars). The guidance provided is for the label statement of products in ready-to-serve or almost ready-to-serve form. The guidance does not apply to the products which require further preparation for consumption (e.g., dry mixes, concentrates) unless specifically stated in the product category, reference amount, or label statement column that it is for these forms of the product. For products that require further preparation, manufacturers must determine the label statement following the rules in § 101.9(b) using the reference amount determined according to § 101.12(c).\n5 Includes cakes that weigh 10 g or more per cubic inch. The serving size for fruitcake is 1 1⁄2 ounces.\n6 Includes cakes that weigh 4 g or more per cubic inch but less than 10 g per cubic inch.\n7 Includes cakes that weigh less than 4 g per cubic inch.\n8 Label serving size for ice cream cones, eggs, and breath mints of all sizes will be 1 unit. Label serving size of all chewing gums that weigh more than the reference amount that can reasonably be consumed at a single-eating occasion will be 1 unit.\n9 Animal products not covered under the Federal Meat Inspection Act or the Poultry Products Inspection Act, such as flesh products from deer, bison, rabbit, quail, wild turkey, geese, ostrich, etc.\n10 If packed or canned in liquid, the reference amount is for the drained solids, except for products in which both the solids and liquids are customarily consumed (e.g., canned chopped clam in juice).\n11 The reference amount for the uncooked form does not apply to raw fish in § 101.45 or to single-ingredient products that consist of fish or game meat as provided for in § 101.9(j)(11).\n12 For raw fruit, vegetables, and fish, manufacturers should follow the label statement for the serving size specified in Appendices C and D to part 101 (21 CFR part 101) Code of Federal Regulations.\n13 Pizza sauce is part of the pizza and is not considered to be sauce topping.\n(c) If a product requires further preparation, e.g., cooking or the addition of water or other ingredients, and if paragraph (b) of this section provides a reference amount for the product in the prepared form, but not the unprepared form, then the reference amount for the unprepared product must be the amount of the unprepared product required to make the reference amount for the prepared product as established in paragraph (b) of this section.\n(d) The reference amount for an imitation or substitute food or altered food, such as a “low calorie” version, shall be the same as for the food for which it is offered as a substitute.\n(e) If a food is modified by incorporating air (aerated), and thereby the density of the food is lowered by 25 percent or more in weight than that of an appropriate reference regular food as described in § 101.13(j)(1)(ii)(A), and the reference amount of the regular food is in grams, the manufacturer may determine the reference amount of the aerated food by adjusting for the difference in density of the aerated food relative to the density of the appropriate reference food provided that the manufacturer will show FDA detailed protocol and records of all data that were used to determine the density-adjusted reference amount for the aerated food. The reference amount for the aerated food shall be rounded to the nearest 5-g increment. Such products shall bear a descriptive term indicating that extra air has been incorporated (e.g., whipped, aerated). The density-adjusted reference amounts described in paragraph (b) of this section may not be used for cakes except for cheese cake. The differences in the densities of different types of cakes having different degrees of air incorporation have already been taken into consideration in determining the reference amounts for cakes in § 101.12(b). In determining the difference in density of the aerated and the regular food, the manufacturer shall adhere to the following:\n(1) The regular and the aerated product must be the same in size, shape, and volume. To compare the densities of products having nonsmooth surfaces (e.g., waffles), manufacturers shall use a device or method that ensures that the volumes of the regular and the aerated products are the same.\n(2) Sample selections for the density measurements shall be done in accordance with the provisions in § 101.9(g).\n(3) Density measurements of the regular and the aerated products shall be conducted by the same trained operator using the same methodology (e.g., the same equipment, procedures, and techniques) under the same conditions.\n(4) Density measurements shall be replicated a sufficient number of times to ensure that the average of the measurements is representative of the true differences in the densities of the regular and the “aerated” products.\n(f) For products that have no reference amount listed in paragraph (b) of this section for the unprepared or the prepared form of the product and that consist of two or more foods packaged and presented to be consumed together (e.g., peanut butter and jelly, cracker and cheese pack, pancakes and syrup, cake and frosting), the reference amount for the combined product shall be determined using the following rules:\n(1) The reference amount for the combined product must be the reference amount, as established in paragraph (b) of this section, for the ingredient that is represented as the main ingredient (e.g., peanut butter, pancakes, cake) plus proportioned amounts of all minor ingredients.\n(2) If the reference amounts are in compatible units, the weights or volumes must be summed (e.g., the reference amount for equal volumes of peanut butter and jelly for which peanut butter is represented as the main ingredient would be 4 tablespoons (tbsp) (2 tbsp peanut butter plus 2 tbsp jelly)). If the reference amounts are in incompatible units, all amounts must be converted to weights and summed, e.g., the reference amount for pancakes and syrup would be 110 g (the reference amount for pancakes) plus the weight of the proportioned amount of syrup.\n(g) The reference amounts set forth in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section shall be used in determining whether a product meets the criteria for nutrient content claims, such as “low calorie,” and for health claims. If the serving size declared on the product label differs from the reference amount, and the product meets the criteria for the claim only on the basis of the reference amount, the claim shall be followed by a statement that sets forth the basis on which the claim is made. That statement shall include the reference amount as it appears in paragraph (b) of this section followed, in parenthesis, by the amount in common household measure if the reference amount is expressed in measures other than common household measures (e.g., for a beverage, “Very low sodium, 35 mg or less per 240 mL (8 fl oz)”).\n(h) The Commissioner of Food and Drugs, either on his or her own initiative or in response to a petition submitted pursuant to part 10 of this chapter, may issue a proposal to establish or amend a reference amount in paragraph (b) of this section. A petition to establish or amend a reference amount shall include:\n(1) Objective of the petition;\n(2) A description of the product;\n(3) A complete sample product label including nutrition label, using the format established by regulation;\n(4) A description of the form (e.g., dry mix, frozen dough) in which the product will be marketed;\n(5) The intended dietary uses of the product with the major use identified (e.g., milk as a beverage and chips as a snack);\n(6) If the intended use is primarily as an ingredient in other foods, list of foods or food categories in which the product will be used as an ingredient with information on the prioritization of the use;\n(7) The population group for which the product will be offered for use (e.g., infants, children under 4 years of age);\n(8) The names of the most closely related products (or in the case of foods for special dietary use and imitation or substitute foods, the names of the products for which they are offered as substitutes);\n(9) The suggested reference amount (the amount of edible portion of food as consumed, excluding bone, seed, shell, or other inedible components) for the population group for which the product is intended with full description of the methodology and procedures that were used to determine the suggested reference amount. In determining the reference amount, general principles and factors in paragraph (a) of this section should be followed.\n(10) The suggested reference amount shall be expressed in metric units. Reference amounts for fluids shall be expressed in milliliters. Reference amounts for other foods shall be expressed in grams except when common household units such as cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons, are more appropriate or are more likely to promote uniformity in serving sizes declared on product labels. For example, common household measures would be more appropriate if products within the same category differ substantially in density, such as frozen desserts.\n(i) In expressing the reference amounts in milliliters, the following rules shall be followed:\n(A) For volumes greater than 30 milliliters (mL), the volume shall be expressed in multiples of 30 mL.\n(B) For volumes less than 30 mL, the volume shall be expressed in milliliters equivalent to a whole number of teaspoons or 1 tbsp, i.e., 5, 10, or 15 mL.\n(ii) In expressing the reference amounts in grams, the following general rules shall be followed:\n(A) For quantities greater than 10 g, the quantity shall be expressed in the nearest 5-g increment.\n(B) For quantities less than 10 g, exact gram weights shall be used.\n(11) A petition to create a new subcategory of food with its own reference amount shall include the following additional information:\n(i) Data that demonstrate that the new subcategory of food will be consumed in amounts that differ enough from the reference amount for the parent category to warrant a separate reference amount. Data must include sample size; and the mean, standard deviation, median, and modal consumed amount per eating occasion for the petitioned product and for other products in the category, excluding the petitioned product. All data must be derived from the same survey data.\n(ii) Documentation supporting the difference in dietary usage and product characteristics that affect the consumption size that distinguishes the petitioned product from the rest of the products in the category.\n(12) A claim for categorical exclusion under § 25.30 or § 25.32 of this chapter or an environmental assessment under § 25.40 of this chapter, and\n(13) In conducting research to collect or process food consumption data in support of the petition, the following general guidelines should be followed.\n(i) Sampled population selected should be representative of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the target population group for which the food is intended.\n(ii) Sample size (i.e., number of eaters) should be large enough to give reliable estimates for customarily consumed amounts.\n(iii) The study protocol should identify potential biases and describe how potential biases are controlled for or, if not possible to control, how they affect interpretation of results.\n(iv) The methodology used to collect or process data should be fully documented and should include: study design, sampling procedures, materials used (e.g., questionnaire, and interviewer's manual), procedures used to collect or process data, methods or procedures used to control for unbiased estimates, and procedures used to correct for nonresponse.\n(14) A statement concerning the feasibility of convening associations, corporations, consumers, and other interested parties to engage in negotiated rulemaking to develop a proposed rule consistent with the Negotiated Rulemaking Act (5 U.S.C. 561).","path":["Title 21—Food and Drugs","CHAPTER I—FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","SUBCHAPTER B—FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION","PART 101—FOOD LABELING","Subpart A—General Provisions"],"source_url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/api/versioner/v1/full/2026-08-25/title-21.xml","current_through":"2026-08-25","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T02:24:47Z","sha256":"b4c8eb9d4e01afe9a502eeb5c243fd48fd6de03946f2f04b2ec15cc0a756ec54","source_id":"us-cfr","stale":true,"prev":"us/21-cfr-101.11","next":"us/21-cfr-101.13"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}